Payroll Coordinator

Position Summary

The payroll coordinator is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll and maintenance of payroll records for faculty, staff, and student workers at Lenoir-Rhyne University in compliance with applicable federal and state regulations, university policies, and internal procedures. Working under the general direction of the interim director of human resources and in collaboration with Finance, this position supports payroll operations and serves as a primary point of contact for payroll-related inquiries.

The payroll coordinator also provides payroll-related support for benefits administration through reconciliation and maintenance of employee benefit deductions and payroll records. This position supports payroll compliance activities, reporting, auditing, and HRIS data integrity while supporting a positive employee service experience.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Processes biweekly and monthly payroll cycles accurately and within established deadlines for all employee groups.
• Reviews, audits and reconciles payroll data, including timesheets, leave balances, earnings, deductions, tax withholdings and approvals, to ensure accuracy and compliance before final submission.
• Maintains payroll records including new hires, terminations, compensation changes, tax elections, and benefit deductions while ensuring confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Processes garnishments, tax levies, child support orders and other involuntary deductions accurately and in a timely manner.
• Coordinates with HR and Finance colleagues to ensure payroll deductions, leave accruals and employment status changes are accurately reflected in payroll processing.
• Assists with benefit deduction reconciliations, year-end payroll activities, government reporting and required payroll filings.
• Performs routine HRIS/payroll audits and follows established internal controls to support data integrity, reporting accuracy and regulatory compliance.
• Maintains organized electronic payroll records and assists with internal and external audits as needed.
• Responds to employee payroll inquiries regarding pay, taxes, deductions, direct deposit and leave balances with professionalism, accuracy and confidentiality.
• Identifies and recommends opportunities to improve payroll processes, reporting accuracy and employee service delivery for management review and approval.
• Maintains current knowledge of payroll regulations, systems and best practices to support accurate payroll processing and compliance activities.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills

• Working knowledge of payroll practices, wage and hour regulations, and payroll tax procedures.
• Strong attention to detail and a high level of accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to manage strict payroll deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Strong organizational, analytical and customer-service skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive information.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in business, accounting, human resources or a related field preferred; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Minimum of three to five years of payroll processing, HRIS administration or related experience required.
• Strong understanding of payroll regulations and compliance requirements, including the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and payroll tax guidelines.
• Experience supporting multi-state payroll operations preferred.
• Experience with Paycom or a comparable HRIS/payroll platform preferred.
• Experience with benefit deduction reconciliation and administration preferred.
• Higher education or similarly complex multi-entity payroll experience preferred.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification or progress toward certification preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer using standard office equipment.
• Occasional lifting of files or office materials up to 15 pounds.

Work Schedule

• Standard office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Occasional extended hours may be required during payroll processing periods, year-end activities or open enrollment cycles.

Behavioral Expectations

• Maintain high ethical standards, integrity and confidentiality in all aspects of the position.
• Contribute to a professional, respectful, diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment.
• Treat all individuals with dignity, respect and professionalism.
• Maintain confidentiality and security of employee, payroll and institutional data in accordance with university policies and applicable regulations.
• Comply with all university policies, procedures and applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.